The Gloat's QB rankings of 2011. (A surprise or 2)

Those of you who frequent know I have no problem at all throwing my opinions out there and defending them to the death- so here it is, early, even... My take on 2011 QBs worth mentioning. Feel free to dig this up in 3 years if I happen to be wrong on ONE like you guys always seem to do... ignore the ones I nail, as usual.

And here we go...

First we'll begin with the QBs on my personal list. The few I'd actually like for us to take and would be satisfied with them with full trust that they could be franchise QBs.

1. Ricky Stanzi - Surprised? Me too, actually. My love for Stanzi has been a roller-coaster. I was highly impressed when he first came on strong, then let down as he became overhyped, but when looking at all the footage I have- No one in this class throws the football better than Ricky Stanzi. No one.
He has the best touch of all prospects, is great at leading his receivers- hitting them in stride, He's very elusive in the pocket, throws great on the run, and can scramble when he needs to to get out of trouble.
He makes some boneheaded decisions, and doesn't have a strong arm... but who needs one? This league's best QBs master the intermediate passing while tossing it long every now and then. He can throw the long 40 yard pass every now and then and put perfect touch on it while doing so.

Best QB in this class, in my opinion. Granted, I'm not overwhelmed by any of these guys.

2. Jake Locker - I've done a complete 180 with Locker. I've said he's the most overrated player in college football, but after watching all these guys and giving him a fair chance- he really has a lot going for him. I may have prematurely judged him by watching a few Washington games and expecting too much.
He reminds me a lot of Ben Roethlisberger for some reason. Probably due to the fight he has and energy he plays with. He extends plays and is very good at avoiding trouble in the pocket. Has a cannon, but also has touch. I really like Locker. Until watching a lot of film on Stanzi, he was at the top of this class.

3. Christian Ponder - The only reason Ponder isn't #1 in this class is due to his health, which is a major concern that could knock him out of success altogether. He looked terrible in his last start at the Chic-Fil-A Bowl, but to his credit; He probably shouldn't have been cleared to start (surgery), and had zero time to throw the ball. South Carolina swarmed him and tossed him around like a rag doll. He wanted to keep going though, which is inspiring.
Christian Ponder is the best QB in this class IF healthy. He throws better than all, and also has the added bonus of being able to scramble. He's extremely smart and his team loves him. Myron Rolle said he's the smartest guy he knows.


----- These are the only 3 guys I like in this class of QBs. There are some outsiders that may be ok choices later, but I dont see any as franchise QBs.

Blaine Gabbert - What a crock. Chase McDaniels made a better case as an NFL prospect and how'd that turn out? Blaine Gabbert does nothing that would wow anyone without ESPN whispering in your ear. This guy was on NO ONE's board just 2 months ago, now all of a sudden every clown that works for ESPN has him as their top choice? Seriously? What did I miss?...
Blaine Gabbert will never start in the NFL and post anything higher than a 70 qb rating.

Cam Newton - Should probably work on running routes now. Great athlete that runs better than any QB in the NCAA outside of his smaller clone, Denard Robinson. Much like Denard, he's a great athlete pretending to be a quarterback. I do think Cam will start in the NFL at some point as a QB just because teams will take the chance. I do not think he'll be successful as a QB though.
He leads the NCAA in passing efficiency, but so did Vince Young. That's what playing in a gimmick offense and being a primary running threat will do for a QB that makes his money (ha!) throwing 5-10 yard passes.
His baggage is also concerning, but I can see him being straight-laced now that the spotlight is on him.

Ryan Mallett - Probably the best of my 'Just say No' to list. My problems with Mallett have nothing to do with his mechanics (iffy) or his talent (it's definitely there... but what's between his ears. He just doesn't make good decisions in close games, and many times just blindly tosses the ball up. I think he has all the tools outside mobility but seems like one of those guys that may just not be bright/quick enough mentally to cut it in the NFL.


Guys on the outside that I'm neither for nor against: Scott Tolzien, Kellen Moore, Kase Keenum, Andy Dalton, Jerrod Johnson *(was extremely high on, but has a lot to work on)...

Some may have slipped my mind so I'll update if I think of another.